The 5 Best Coastal Restaurants to Dive into this Summer

With over eleven thousand miles of stunning coastline and 31,460 freshwater lochs, there’s no shortage of coastal locations to savour the best dining experiences around Scotland this summer. Discover the best including ‘Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year’ at Port Appin on the Argyll coast, a pop-up dining experience at Talisker Distillery on the shores of Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye, a lochside restaurant on the world-famous North Coast 500; Scotland’s ‘Hotel of the Year’ in Edinburgh's historic Port of Leith; and a beachside Ayrshire venue overlooking the Firth of Clyde and Isle of Arran. 

1. The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin, Argyll

Scotland’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’ (Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards 2023-24) makes its home at one of Argyll’s most iconic coastal hotels. The Pierhouse Hotel and renowned Scottish seafood restaurant is tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, offering breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull. 

Firm favourites on the Pierhouse menu include the freshest langoustines, mussels and lobsters harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, as well as fine handpicked oysters from the oyster beds of Loch Creran, just 10 minutes from the hotel. 

The restaurant has two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2024. 

The Pierhouse is part of The Wee Hotel Company, which was founded by international hotelier, Gordon Campbell Gray, and includes the world-famous Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye.  

Dogs are welcome in the bar and on the lochside terrace. Pre-booking is essential as space is limited. 

2. The Three Chimneys at Talisker, Loch Harport, Isle of Skye 

The world-renowned Three Chimneys and Skye’s oldest distillery, Talisker, have joined forces to create ‘The Three Chimneys at Talisker’ pop-up dining experience at the distillery’s newly designed waterfront space on the shores of Loch Harport for summer 2024. 

The exclusive dining experience has been designed to celebrate a shared passion and philosophy around local provenance and sustainability, and respect for local produce and craftspeople.

The menu not only highlights the distinctive maritime character of Talisker whisky, but also harmonises it with the diverse, seasonally influenced fare of Skye, including Skye Free Range beef; Skye Smokehouse fish; and Sconser double dived scallops. 

Pre-booking is essential as space is limited. 

3. Kylesku Hotel, Loch Gleann Dubh, Sutherland 

Kylesku Hotel is home to one of the most iconic lochside dining experiences on the world-famous North Coast 500. The award-winning destination restaurant and outdoor terrace offers uninterrupted panoramic views over Loch Gleann Dubh by the Kylesku Bridge, 

The Kyleksu menu celebrates the best of the Scottish Highland larder, including fresh fish, hand-dived scallops landed on the pier in front of the hotel and lobsters from Ullapool and Oban. 

 Local people who live within 20 miles of Kylesku Hotel are eligible to apply for a Highland Coast Community Card and enjoy 30% discount in the Kylesku Restaurant & Bar and 50% discount off an overnight stay, seven days a week. To find out more about the Highland Coast Community Card discounts and to apply, visit www.kyleskuhotel.co.uk/community

Kylesku Hotel is owned and operated by Highland Coast Hotels, which runs a collection of seven landmark venues located around the North Highlands, including Plockton, Kylesku, Tongue, Brora, Dornoch and Inverness.

Dogs are welcome in the lounge and bar areas, and on the lochside terrace. 

4. Fingal, Leith, Edinburgh  

Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, Fingal holds the title of ‘AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2023-24’ and has just sailed to the top of the world’s best hotels list in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2024. 

Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel is now a world-class foodie destination with two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance. 

New for summer 2024, Fingal’s galley team have created a new afternoon tea menu to offer guests and non-residents one of the most decadent and dainty of British traditions with a nautical twist, including Fingal’s hot smoked salmon & Crowdie cheese clafoutis. 

Fingal’s new summer afternoon tea is available daily from 12.30pm until 3.30pm in the ship’s Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar until 31st August. 

Open to non-residents for afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails, Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar offers a choice of self-contained private dining booths for small pre-booked groups. 

Pre-booking is essential as space is limited. 

5. The Waterside Hotel, West Kilbride, Ayrshire 

Buckets and spades at the ready, you can practically feel the sand between your toes as you walk in the door. This hotel’s beachside location right next to the sea means it has unimpeded panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran, but it is still conveniently close to the best tourist attractions in Ayrshire. 

 The hotel’s Waterside Restaurant and Bar prides itself on serving the best local produce created from the freshest ingredients. On a sunny evening, there is no better place to watch the sun dip below the horizon or indulge in a spot of casual alfresco dining, than the beach hut-lined terrace and garden. 

The New England style interior, friendly service, and great value-for-money menu means you can totally relax and enjoy the views of Goat Fell, the highest hill on Arran, which is only a short ferry trip away.

The Waterside Hotel is operated by SimpsInns, a family-owned business run by the Irvine-based Simpson family, including The Gailes Hotel & Spa and The Potting Shed in Irvine, and Old Loans Inn at Troon. 

Dogs welcomed. Pre-booking is essential as space is limited.